Photo: Abraham, via Wikimedia Commons License: CC BY 4.0

Common privet

Ligustrum vulgare

Family: Oleaceae

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

fruits (berries) and leaves per NC State Plant Toolbox; RHS: harmful if eaten; Lille poison centre: berries (toxicity comes from the seeds, and some authors consider it uncertain)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

glycosides (syringin/ligustrin), shikimic acid, saponins, protoanemonin per NC State, gastrointestinal upset

Hazard route

ingestion; RHS advises gloves and other protective equipment when handling (RHS does not say why)

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA lists common privet (Ligustrum vulgare) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with cardiac glycosides, saponins and protoanemonin named as the toxic principles. Dogs: RHS (UK) says harmful if eaten (dogs named) and points to the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Cats, horses, dogs: NC State flags this plant as a problem for cats, dogs and horses; NC State poison parts are fruits and leaves, severity Medium for people. The Lille poison centre (France) says some authors rate berry toxicity as uncertain, with the toxicity coming from the seeds, but still lists vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea after ingestion.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Ligustrum vulgare, not on the common name.. 'Privet' is used loosely for several Ligustrum species. NC State lists Ligustrum japonicum and Ligustrum lucidum as often confused with common privet (Ligustrum vulgare); they are different species with their own size, hardiness and weediness. Confirm by scientific name. 'Wild privet' (RHS) and 'common privet' (NC State, RHS) both mean L. vulgare.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a-7b per NC State Plant Toolbox; RHS H6 per RHS (the profile text shows H6 after the rating scale)
Light: Full sun or partial shade per NC State and RHS.
Water needs: low
Mature size: US: 10-15 ft tall and 8-15 ft wide per NC State; UK: RHS: max height 2.5-4 m, max spread 2.5-4 m, 10-20 years to maturity; FR: 1.5-3 m tall per the Lille poison-centre sheet
Where it comes from: Eurasia per NC State; Europe, N. Africa and SW Asia per RHS. Native to GB and Ireland (RHS). Weedy and naturalized in moist areas of the US (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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